> So one day it may be used for a cardiac procedure, the next day some kind of skin drug
Our IACUC will not allow this. The general policy from the Guide to Animal Care (NIH document which governs PHS funded research in the US) is in fact that an individual animal should not be exposed to multiple distressful procedures unless scientifically necessary. My understanding is that European animal committees have more of a minimize-the total-number-of-animals attitude, but that doesn't fly in the States anymore, at least on the research side.
Our IACUC will not allow this. The general policy from the Guide to Animal Care (NIH document which governs PHS funded research in the US) is in fact that an individual animal should not be exposed to multiple distressful procedures unless scientifically necessary. My understanding is that European animal committees have more of a minimize-the total-number-of-animals attitude, but that doesn't fly in the States anymore, at least on the research side.